Steve McClaren returned to take charge of the first game of his second spell

He spent most of the match watching on from a vantage point in the stands before coming down to the dugout for the last ten minutes.

And he will have been delighted as sub Russell won him the points - and Derby’s first home league win of the season - with an exocet missile from the edge of the box after Leeds failed to clear a corner.

Leeds almost nicked a point at the death as sub Marcus Antonsson curled against the post.

But it was not to be for the Yorkshire outfit - and boss Garry Monk, who was serving a touchline ban - as it turned out to be McClaren’s day.

Leeds boss Garry Monk also watched from the stands because of his touchline ban

Five things we learnt

Steve McClaren took in most of his return from the stands, leaving the dugout duties to assistant Chris Powell. Nothing strange there though - he used to watch the first half and often more from a vantage point during his first spell before coming down to the pitch. He came down for the last ten.

There were flickers of the decent football Derby produced under McClaren during his first tenure - and Johnny Russell’s goal was electrifying. But there was also a lot of ponderous, dull play and few chances which has been the norm at the iPro this season.

Tom Ince looks to be the main beneficiary of McClaren’s entrance - or, more accurately, Nigel Pearson’s exit. The ex-Hull winger fell out of favour under Pearson but started here on the right flank.

How McClaren must wish Derby had not sent Chris Martin out on loan. The Scottish powerhouse provided the focal point of the team during his first spell in charge - something this team sorely lacks.

The fans’ reception for McClaren’s return was pretty nondescipt. There was neither cheering and chanting his name nor booing - but that could well be due to him spending most of his time out of sight in the stands. One thing the iPro will no doubt be delighted about though was their side’s first home win of the season.